Reddit launches high court challenge to Australia’s under-16s social media ban

Platform fighting world-leading ban on grounds it contravenes implied freedom of political communication in constitution

• Will Australia's social media ban survive a high court challenge?

Reddit has filed a challenge against Australia's under-16s social media ban in the high court, lodging its case two days after implementing age restrictions on its website.

The company said in a Reddit post on Friday that while it agreed with protecting people under 16, the law has the unfortunate effect of forcing intrusive and potentially insecure verification processes on adults as well as minors, isolating teens from the ability to engage in age-appropriate community experiences".

Reddit said there was an illogical patchwork" of platforms included in the ban.